Irish Examiner view: Obstacles on the mission to inform

Unavailability of video after Index on Censorship event in Dublin could be another worrying instance of self-censorship

The TCD conference examined how Ireland's defamation laws suppress freedom of expression — a reminder of the torrid atmosphere surrounding public discourse now. 

It is perhaps beyond parody that a conference called to discuss the ways in which Ireland’s defamation laws suppress freedom of expression has been stopped from issuing a recording of proceedings because of concerns that they may attract a writ for libel.

The meeting, organised by non-profit campaigners Index on Censorship at Trinity College, Dublin, debated the role of strategic lawsuits against public participation — known by its acronym of ‘Slapps’ — usually deployed by wealthy individuals to silence public-interest reporting.